Sanders said she and her friends work hard to maintain their energy and vitality with aerobics, Tai Chi, and Pilates at the Stamford Senior Center.

"Staying mentally and physically active is important," Sanders said.

Hilda Woodson, 81, said an eye exam, resulted in a doctor telling her to drink more water after noticing circles under her eyes.

"I never would have known I wasn't drinking enough water because of that," Woodson said.

More than 300 senior citizens and others turned up at the city of Stamford's 40th Annual Senior Citizen Health Fair at the Stamford Plaza Hotel on Summer Street for free healthcare screenings and to talk to service providers about topics like independent living, nutrition, and medication.

Flu shots were available for free with a Medicare Part B card, and for $30 without the coverage, and attendees were given a free breakfast and lunch.

"We're here for the fair which has been excellent but also to see our friends and have some camaraderie," said Stamford resident Lillian Amendola, 81.

Charlotte Tucker, 91, who lives in Augustus Manor, a private senior residential building said she was thankful to get her flu shot at the fair, an inoculation she expects she wouldn't get until a doctor's appointment in December.

"My doctor doesn't care who I get it from and I'm certainly happy to have it earlier," Tucker said.

Culpepper said the event also saw a variety of younger patients who sought out screenings because they are underinsured or uninsured.

"They might be unemployed and see an event like this as a chance to check for problems at little or no cost," Culpepper said.

Dr. Henry Yoon, medical director for the city's health department said that the fair was an opportunity for senior citizens to learn about available services and get attention concerning ailments they are at risk for like diabetes and heart disease.

"It's important to recognize there are health problems that are significant to the senior population," Yoon said. "This fair looks at preventative care and reducing risk factors."

Carmen Torrales, a Quintard Terrace resident, said she attended the conference to get information about home health care services in the community for her mother-in-law Patricia Gonzales who is 87 and was surprised to know there were options that did not require out of pocket contributions by patients.

"I found a lot of literature to bring back to her and was surprised by how many options there were," Torrales said. "I can't always help her and it is important information."

Staff Writer Martin B. Cassidy can be reached at 203-964-2264 or martin.cassidy@scni.com.